Adding Solar Power To The INEOS Grenadier-Installing The CTEK D250SE

Adding a solar charge controller is necessary to add solar charging to your overland rig. The Grenadier with the factory dual battery system makes it relatively easy to add CTEK's D250SE MPPT charge controller/battery DC-DC Charger in combination with the factory installed Smartpass 120. In this video we walk you through our install. Some items we used may be a bit overkill (battery wire gauge and ANI fuse) but won't hurt and were readily available.
This is a convenient way to add solar, but certainly not the only way. Make sure the D250SE suits your needs and power panel technical details as pointed out in the video.
Our Buy Me A Coffee Link - www.buymeacoffee.com/manhawkente
Visit The INEOS Forum for great information and tips-a great resource!
What we used-
CTEK D250SE amzn.to/3U6U2iY
Battery Cables amzn.to/49oAJGv
Fuse amzn.to/3xlwC0x
Solar Pigtail amzn.to/4cIQ8V0
Magnetic Parts Bowl amzn.to/43Opaao
Black Sheep Mounting Plate blacksheep-innovations.shop/e...
Connect With Us -
Email - [e-mail]
Instagram - dickin_around_outdoors
Facebook - / dickinaroundoutdoors
We are happy to test products and will do so thoroughly, objectively and honestly so please reach out if you have something you think fits our viewers and content.
May Contain Affiliate Links. These links do not change the price you pay for an item but may provide our channel a small commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
#ineosgrenadier #CTEK #installingsolaringrenadier #solarchargecontroller #overland #overlanding #installingctekd250se

[@wanderingoutyonder]

Wow! Excellent set up! Thanks for sharing! “Keep making memories & adventure on!” ~Karen & Shannon WOY

[@vkt9889]

I can’t wait for the update. Well done for completing the race 🎉

[@dickinaroundoutdoors8609]

Thanks for checking out the channel!

[@wanderingoutyonder]

Wow! Excellent set up!

[@Qweekdraw]

Great video! Always important to make sure the magic smoke isn't leaking from the battery. Well done!

[@dickinaroundoutdoors8609]

Yes it is, despite the mesmerizing nature of watching smoke waft through the air!

[@PaulieDetmurds]

Pretty nice! You explained all very well. No smoke is GOOD! Looking forward to the follow up video(s)! Happy to see that Ford hat too! God Bless!

[@jrodriguez8216]

Thanks for the details in this installment

[@dickinaroundoutdoors8609]

You are welcome-thanks for checking it out and commenting.

[@ensatlantic]

Very useful video once again. Thank you!

[@dickinaroundoutdoors8609]

I am glad you found it useful and thanks for dropping by.

[@LiamBMP]

Very cool. 👍

[@KUEHLKUEST]

Very nice install!! No smoke = Success!! J & C

[@dickinaroundoutdoors8609]

Yep, all is good and still starts every day!

[@markelliott6105]

So it’s “Dickin’ Around Outdoors” …unless it’s a little chilly?😊 Good video again.

[@dickinaroundoutdoors8609]

LMAO when I read this comment! Ya it was snowing out and hard to dress for the weather while climbing around the innards of the Grenadier. Thanks for the humor and for dropping by.

[@bakepl]

Good vid thanks. Asked Ctek tech about the red wire.. said if unsure what alternator you have, smart or not, connect the red wire. Connected mine, works as described.

[@dickinaroundoutdoors8609]

Yes, I have seen notes from CTEK saying that and when they responded to me they said the red normally not hooked up in a "recreational" vehicle. I have not hooked it up yet simply because INEOS engineering didn't do so with the Smartpass so I stayed consistent.

[@carstenhufnagel7254]

INEOS has a smart alternator.

[@FRO5TBYTE]

Excellent video Dick. I followed it to the letter and it worked a treat. Did you ever find out about the smart alternator cable? I left off as you did. Many thanks!!!!

[@dickinaroundoutdoors8609]

The only things I have seen more recently about the smart alternator is contradictory. First CTEK sent a note and said it is normally not hooked up in a consumer application. But also I have seen replies from CTEK that say hook it up if unsure. With my Grenadier stuck in San Diego waiting to be diagnosed after crapping out in Mexico I have not had the chance to really do much else with it.

[@FRO5TBYTE]

Yeah I saw that. I hope that gets fixed ASAP. Good luck! A quick vid of solar up and running would be great. By installing the 250 I’ve just future proofed right now for a big trip next year. So still looking at the solar solution.

[@dickinaroundoutdoors8609]

@@FRO5TBYTE When I get the truck back I will be looking forward to putting up some more videos!

[@stevegreen101]

You don't appear to have disconnected the ground from the Smartpass. Both CTEK & Ineos are making it clear that this should be a first step. Additionally, (and I don't have the information to hand presently) Ineos are stating a period of time prior to disconnecting to allow various electronics to power down completely. I believe this is now printed on a battery label to be retro fitted to those vehicles missing this advice/warning.

[@dickinaroundoutdoors8609]

I believe the ground from the Smartpass is connected to the negative post of the starter battery (same place I connected the 250's negative cable) which is the first item I disconnected. If I am mistaken please let us know where it is grounded so that others can do so correctly. Sadly most of us are not getting much if any information from INEOS regarding the systems but it sounds like you may have some additional insight which would be a huge help if you could pass on a source for INEOS maintenance procedures!

[@Pandora882]

Didn’t you use the 250 to charge the battery as well??

[@dickinaroundoutdoors8609]

Yes, I didn't cover that aspect as much but the 250 is connected with the Smartpass 120 which brings the entire system to be able to charge at 140 amps. Thanks for checking us out and taking time to comment.